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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
• "Is that email a scam?" - Check it online here!
  
• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
  (+225 +229 +234 +27 +31 +32 +34 +44 other)
• Company names mentioned in 419 spam:
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Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
  • "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
• This email message is a "New Partner from Paraguay" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr Gomez SOGLO" <gomezsoglo6@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:40:09 +0200
Subject: Compensation For Your Past Efforts


*Compensation For Your Past Efforts *
**
*Dear Friend,
Longest time,i hope maybe you have forgot me,i am Mr. Gomez SOGLO from
cotonou benin republic.Nice to meet you again,i hope all is well together
with your family,if so glory be to God almighty.I'm happy to inform you
about my success in getting those funds transfered with the cooperation of a
new partner from paraguay. We were paid from african development bank in
cotonou benin republic. *
**
*Presently i'm in Paraguay for investment projects with my own share of the
total sum. Meanwhile,i didn't forget your past efforts and attempts to
assist me in transferring this funds despite we! could not conclude it.I
have decided to compensate you.Contact my account officer in African
Development Bank in Cotonou,Benin Republic,his name is Mr.Francis ABU on his
e-mail address (**francis_abu07@live.fr* <francis_abu07@live.fr> * ) I have
raised a certifiecd bank cheque in your name, the sum of SEVEN HUNDRED AND
FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLAR{$750,000,00} for you.

Feel free and get in touched with my account officer and instruct him on
where to send the cheque to you. Even my current partner is not happy that i
have to allocate such amount to you bearing in mind your nonchalant attitude
to the transaction at its crucial stage. I am very busy here because of the
investment projects which I and the new partner are handling, So feel free
to get in touch with Mr.Francis ABU. he will inform me immidiately he has
oblidged! you the fund.*
**
*Yours Sincere Friend,
Mr.Gomez SOGLO*

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam